CultureIn China

LCA Global Studies Interim

By Grace Jang

Table of Content

– Basic Info about China

– Food and Tea Culture in China

– Chinese Beliefs and Values

– Chinese UNESCO Historical Villages

Basic Info about China

– The fourth largest nation in the world --> diverse local traditions

– Unique history: communist politics + capitalist economy

– Major economic power but problems like political corruption and environmental consequences

– Diverse ethnicities --> greater diversity but more conflicts

Dining Etiquettes

• Let the older people eat first. When they pick up their spoons or chopsticks, or say "let's eat" then you can start eating.

• Use chopsticks. Don't put chopsticks vertically into the rice bowl. Don't wave chopsticks in the air.

• Don't talk with something full in your mouth.

Beijing DuckThe most famous dish in Beijing. Usually served with pancake. Might taste a little bit greasy at first.

Sichuan CuisineVery spicy foods. Some well-known Sichuan dishes are Mapotofu and Kungpao Chicken(spicy diced chicken).

Cantonese CuisineIn Guangdong Province of China. Are characterized by tender and sweet taste. Steamed eggs are popular dishes in the cuisine.

Tea Culture-Tea is taken as a beverage to quench thirst.

-The quality of the tea is judged by the color, fragrance and flavor of the tea, the water quality and even the tea set.

-Tea Art

-How to enjoy tea:

1. Drink it when it is hot.

2. Drink it during meals.

3. Try to savor the full taste of tea slowly.

4. Appreciate the environment, atmosphere, music, and interpersonal relationships.

Chinese Beliefs and Values

1. Confucianism

2. Daoism

3. Buddhism

Confucianism

• Founder: Confucius

• Developed as a belief to educate common people

• Influences: Chinese people stress filial piety, loyalty among friends or co-workers, respect and obedience to the elders or those in higher ranks, emphasis on community

Daoism• Founder: Laozi

• Core beliefs: Yin and Yang, peace, harmony with the nature, simple and non-action government

• Influences: Chinese people think everything is complementary to each other and try to maintain stability.

Buddhism

• Was brought from India and developed as the most important religion in China.

• Core beliefs: Nirvana, 8-fold paths

• Influences: changed the literary styles and vocabularies, inspired many famous poets, and led to numerous pagodas and monuments.

UNESCO Historical Villages

– Historical villages reflect the culture’s values, social structure, lifestyles, and architectural styles – in other words, “culture.”

– Two historical villages in China are listed on the UNESCO list:

1. Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui – Xidi and Hongcun

2. Old Town of Lijiang

For detailed info about the two villages or UNESCO villages in Japan or Korea, C:\Users\grace jang\Desktop\UNESCO\Atti UNESCO Grace Jang_1st draft.docx

Xidi and Hongcun Villages

Xidi and Hongcun Villages

– Reflect well the region’s trading economy during a feudal period.

– Buildings and street patterns reflect the socio-economic structure

– Have developed and preserved extensive water systems.

– Most houses are timber-framed with brick outer walls and elegantly carved decoration.

– Hongcun village was constructed to shape like an ox.

Lijiang Village

Lijiang Village

– Is an ensemble of diverse cultures of different ethnicities

– Was especially influenced by Naxi minority Displays Naxi culture like Dongba religion and music

– Has developed and preserved outstanding water system. Uses the waterways for unique way of sanitation, as well as for potable water and washing clothes

– Has a unique layout in that it is not surrounded by a city wall because of an ominous Chinese character.

Works Cited

http://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/chinese-food/dining-etiquette.htm

http://www.laurustravel.com/images/peking_duck.jpg

https://suptonmclaughlin.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/e27773173_13d7613ec5bg2_blog-e1377763042721.jpg?w=300

http://www-tc.pbs.org/food/wp-content/blogs.dir/2/files/2011/10/mapo-doufu-31.jpg

http://s3.thingpic.com/images/Zz/wnD37H3uQkaXPW9At1JH8Xfx.jpeg

http://fitonlinenow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Food_Drinks_Chinese_Tea.jpg

http://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/chinese-tea/

http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/religion/